Chapter 5 SET IN MOTION

Barbara's POV

My heart still racing since I stepped into the Emiliano's home, I walked along side Dante, trying not to steal a glance at him. My face watching Diego's back walking ahead of us. I couldn't shake the feeling that there was something off about him.

He shows a bit of eagerness in this contract marriage even though he is a servant. I'm a little baffled as it's unusual for a man like him to be so invested in the arrangement.

I couldn't help but glance at Dante. He was staring at me, he turned away quickly as soon as I fixed a little gaze at him. What was he thinking? I thought.

Dante wasn't what I thought he would be. I was looking forward to a stereotypical spoilt billionaire's son. He was undeniably handsome though.

I noticed the sense of unease around him, it looked like he had been thrust into a situation he hadn't chosen for himself.

I saw the hint of reluctance and resignation clearly in his eyes. I felt we could understand each other at the moment.

We walked through the crystal walls till we got to an open living room. The room was another place of luxury, from the plush velvet sofa to the ornate chandelier hanging from the ceiling.

There was a man and a woman seated on the sofa, obviously Dante's parents. They looked quite old.

"Go in." Diego said gesturing.

I and Dante walked over to them seated. They were dressed very cooperate. They looked set for an occasion.

"Morning mom, morning dad." Diego greeted.

"Did you sleep well?" Dante's mom asked looking concerned. His dad was still looking down on the newspapers he held in his hands.

"Yeah." Diego replied looking at his dad probably irritated by his nonchalant attitude.

I felt like a ghost in that instance. I stood puzzled not sure of what to say. My heart still racing but I had to say something.

"Good morning." I greeted, my voice trembled slightly.

"Morning darling." His mom replied enthusiastically. "Have your seats."

Dante and I sat on the sofa facing them. His dad was still focused on the newspaper. I felt tension rise in our mist.

"Darling, they're here now" his mom said, touching his dad's cheeks for his attention.

"Oh" his dad replied hurriedly staring at I and Dante. "Welcome, uh sorry, I was caught up in something."

"Hmmm, I see you two have met." He said referring to Dante and I.

"Hi Barbara, I'm Michael and here's is my wife, Jane." He said gesturing towards his wife.

"Pleasure to meet you sir." I replied. He seemed friendly and calm. I wondered why Dante isn't cool with him. I noticed his unhappy looks when his dad was speaking.

"Likewise dear. Michael said. "I've seen your works and I know you have the potential.

"Thank you sir." I said gracefully.

"Diego, is the lawyer here?" Michael asked. I was confused, what does this mean? I thought. I looked at Dante staring puzzled at his mom and dad.

"Yes sir." Diego replied.

"We can proceed with the marriage then." Dante's dad announced. He went back to his newspapers. I turned to Dante, he is already looking at me, I saw the shock in his eyes, it's like am looking into a mirror.

"Already?" Dante asked his dad

"Yes, Dante" Michael said nonchalantly.

I blinked in disbelief, everything was happening so fast. It was like my fate had been decided in a short moment.

"Let's go." Diego called us up. I felt like I needed to say something but I couldn't, I felt powerless, I don't think I have a say in this since I agreed to this.

Dante stood up looking defeated, he walks out and I stood up to follow him. We followed Diego back to the living where we met a man in classy suit seated.

The formalities of the marriage contract seemed to be set in motion. This was not how I pictured my marriage.

Dante and I sat on the sofa facing the lawyer. There were files on the table.

"Good morning, you can go through the files and sign on them." The lawyer said gesturing.

I felt the tension in the air. Diego picked the pen on the table and signed on a paper, then he passed it to my front. I signed on it.

"I'll be leaving now" the lawyer said as he packed some files, leaving some on the table. "Have a nice time."

He walked down to the exit.

I couldn't fathom what could be ahead after this but I knew this was the beginning of a new phase in my life.

I held onto the hope that my family will benefit from these arrangement. The only lifeline I saw to ease our financial burden.

I felt a guilt that gnawed at my conscience. John, the man I love so much, I couldn't believe I could end our relationship with this decision.

In the mist of this surreal run and unexpected turn of events, I felt a sense of propound loss and uncertainties.

I turned to Dante already staring at me.

What's next? He mumbled.